What is a good side dish for a party?

A good side dish for a party is something flavorful, easy to serve, and widely loved. Think creamy mac and cheese , roasted veggies , potato salad , or a fresh pasta salad with zesty vinaigrette. These options travel well, can sit out without fuss, and pair beautifully with most mains.

What is the easiest food to make for catering?

The easiest foods for catering are dishes that hold up well over time and don’t require last-minute prep. Favorites include baked pasta , chili , pulled pork sliders , or grain-based salads like quinoa or couscous. They're make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and taste just as good warm or room temp.

What are some popular catering menu options?

Popular catering menus often include: Mixed greens with vinaigrette Garlic mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes Grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables Bread baskets with butter or dips Chicken or beef entrées with gravy or sauce Vegan options like lentil loaf or roasted cauliflower steaks And don’t forget the sweet finish—brownie trays or mini cheesecakes always get snapped up!

What are some popular side dishes?

Popular side dishes that work well at both casual and formal events include: Macaroni and cheese Coleslaw Green beans almondine Cornbread or dinner rolls Caesar or Greek salad Stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs (great for cocktail-style events)

What is a cheap dish to make for a party?

Budget-friendly crowd-pleasers include: Pasta salad : Inexpensive, customizable, and can feed a crowd. Rice pilaf or seasoned rice : Simple ingredients, big impact. Roasted potatoes : Affordable and endlessly versatile with spices. Bean salad or chili : Great for bulk cooking and satisfying. You can make these dishes ahead of time and dress them up with fresh herbs or toppings.

What's the most popular party food?

It’s hard to beat chips and dips —whether it's classic guacamole, seven-layer dip, or buffalo chicken. Other all-stars include mini sliders , pizza bites , and meatballs . When in doubt, anything cheesy, dippable, or bite-sized is bound to be a hit.

Side Dish Catering: Simple & Delicious Sides for Every Event

Description

A guide to choosing and setting up side dish catering for events—fresh salads, hearty sides, and smart hosting tips.

Ingredients

Essentials from the Caterer

- Fresh salads (like crisp greens or pasta salads)

- Warm sides (think roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or creamy gratins)

- Complimentary bread (rolls, garlic loaf, or cornbread)

- Dips & spreads (hummus, spinach-artichoke, or classic ranch)

Optional Extras

- Specialty condiments (flavored olive oils, pesto, caramelized onion jam)

- Garnishes (fresh herbs, parmesan, citrus zest)

- Serving essentials (disposable trays, serving spoons, napkins)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1 – Choose Your Style

Decide if you want a buffet-style spread or individually packaged sides for grab-and-go ease. Both are perfection depending on your event vibe.

Step 2 – Order with Purpose

Consider your crowd size, dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free), and flavor balance—mix light veggie dishes with comforting starches like mac & cheese or garlic mashed potatoes.

Step 3 – Timing is Key

Schedule delivery or pickup 1–2 hours before guests arrive to maintain freshness. Keep warm items wrapped or in insulated containers until serving.

Step 4 – Presentation

Set up simple serving stations: label dishes (e.g., “Creamy Potato Gratin – vegetarian!”), provide serving utensils, and maybe place a small bowl for condiments nearby. A few fresh herbs or citrus wedges add a pinch of charm.

Step 5 – Wrap Up

If the caterer provides cleanup tubs, use them. Otherwise, bundle leftovers in foil and store chilled—this saves time and makes post-party recovery smoother.

Notes

Perfect for busy hosts looking for effortless catering solutions that still feel personal and delicious.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Category: Side Dish, Catering
Method: Buffet-style setup
Cuisine: American, international buffet